In a new report, researchers from the Pioneer Institute, American Principles Project, and the Pacific Research Institute estimate that implementation of Common Core State Standards in English and math will cost participating states $15.8 billion over seven years. This total includes the cost of new assessments, professional development, instructional materials, textbooks, and technology.
Like most states, North Carolina has adopted the Common Core State Standards in English and math. Both will be taught and assessed beginning in the fall, but state education officials have not estimated (or discussed estimates of) the cost of this transition.
Researchers estimate that North Carolina will spend $200 million for professional development, $85 million for textbooks and materials, and $240 million for technology over the next seven years to implement the Common Core standards. That is a total of $525 million or an average of $75 million per year. This is a pretty significant cost for North Carolina’s taxpayers to pay for quasi-federal standards that are mediocre, at best.